[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6568889,"mediaKeyId","3193146-41dd6f13cd46b5aeb4030f879d972734","parentId",3193146,"title","Lawmakers, residents press to change Newtown land deed from economic development to open space; Hubbard foundation seeks financing fix","audioSeconds",6823,"startMs",624000,"endMs",7447000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193146-41dd6f13cd46b5aeb4030f879d972734&start=624&end=7447","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193146-41dd6f13cd46b5aeb4030f879d972734/thumbnail_624000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6568889/Connecticut/Lawmakers-residents-press-to-change-Newtown-land-deed-from-economic-development-to-open-space-Hubbard-foundation-seeks-financing-fix","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568889-8816b2ade3fc1b55514dc489794945d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114965&Signature=EuhC7qyf3XOFYN7CRTh4uFDQd684Bi-b1Fnt85SwNAWszjDlIzFmyua-VkAOOj-RGKWWFGw07pa-7bviO4zSRf95Xf1trx-2Mzw2Y2v8-76Icch-RYD~bsRUQxlv0ZgzRBLmo4g-ApA4Ve3HR~Hun4Fpibnnm1X5KkQClKY-J5hHu~MP7-ARoWPVvYSHHeU7uhw2njVBylWVNoSIuilJePKGbAzZuwExXcuLoRxM~e4uWcz4KW9WOBNiuV6RA7COVQequUTWmmN0~625CepWCIKOiGcBu3ZsKyb0B4yxtww20KW~ctc35kGxWOUcUXlMJM9OrhP1P7tZ07FKhj~tBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Connecticut State Legislature - Government Oversight","date","2025-05-05T21:48:47.083Z","article","Senator Tony Huang, a state senator, told the Government Oversight Committee on May 5 that he strongly supports Senate Bill 1562 to change the authorized use of a parcel of state land in Newtown from economic development to open space and recreation, and Senate Bill 1564 to amend a prior conveyance to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation so the nonprofit can access financing. \"Once gone, [it is] lost forever,\" Huang said of the meadow and streamside land.

The bills would alter deed restrictions on parcels near Deep Brook and the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. Supporters said the change would protect a high meadow and uplands that sit over a sole-source aquifer and above Deep Brook, a Class 1 trout stream, while allowing the sanctuary to build educational and animal-care facilities.

Why it matters: The parcels have been the subject of repeated development proposals for decades without resulting construction, supporters said, and environmental experts and residents now urge preservation. The Hubbard foundation said its current deed language limits its ability to borrow to fund construction of a learning barn and future veterinary intake facilities; the proposed amendment was drafted with guidance from the Office of the Attorney General, witnesses said.

What supporters told the committee: Huang said the 6 Commerce Road parcel had been deeded in February 2004 with an economic-development restriction, but that the community now favors preserving the land. \"This is a pivot\" toward a different understanding of economic development that embraces ecotourism and environmental education, Huang said. Jennifer Hubbard, president of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, said the foundation has raised millions, completed a learning barn and needs a clarified deed to access traditional construction financing for subsequent phases.

Conservation groups and residents urged protection of habitat. Amy Blaymore Patterson, executive director of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council, said the parcel is valuable for habitat and water protection and urged specificity when lands with conservation value are repurposed. Dave Eckert of the Newtown Conservation Coalition and other residents described the site as meadow and upland that helps prevent erosion and protect groundwater recharge.

Opposition and cautions: Some speakers urged clarity about whether allowing noncommercial uses could still permit some form of housing or other development; Charlie Gardner, a Newtown resident, asked that the bill explicitly state it would not bar the town from considering housing, including affordable housing, so the town retains local discretion. Representatives on the panel asked how the sanctuary's proposed ability to use the property as collateral would be limited in the event of a loan default; witnesses said deed restrictions and guidance from the attorney general were intended to protect the public interest but said legal language would define the limits.

Clarifying details recorded in the hearing: Representative Balinski said the 6/8 Commerce Road parcel comprises about 41.7876 acres. Witnesses said the Hubbard parcel was conveyed to the foundation in 2014, and that the 2004 conveyance applied to part of a larger Fairfield Hills reconveyance and had been marketed for Newtown Tech Park proposals over the past two decades.

What happens next: The hearing was a public fact-finding session; no committee vote on the bills was recorded at the hearing. Supporters urged the committee to approve the conveyance changes so the town and nonprofit can implement the sanctuary’s approved site plan and preserve the uplands and meadows.

Ending: Proponents said the change would preserve a sensitive ecological corridor while enabling the sanctuary’s education and animal-care mission; opponents and some legislators asked for clearer statutory language to protect against unintended commercial development and to specify the limits of any loan collateralization.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Government Oversight Public Hearing 5/5/25 2pm 1B","oneSentenceSummary","Senator Tony Huang, a state senator, told the Government Oversight Committee on May 5 that he strongly supports Senate Bill 1562 to change the authorized use of a parcel of state land in Newtown from economic development to open space and recreation, and Senate Bill 1564 to amend a prior conveyance to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation so the nonprofit can access financing.","taxTitle","Government Oversight, House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Connecticut","taxId",78975,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6568875,"Willington seeks small DOT parcel to build new fire station as aging station faces mold and foundation damage",231,8789000,9020000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193146-41dd6f13cd46b5aeb4030f879d972734&start=8789&end=9020","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193146-41dd6f13cd46b5aeb4030f879d972734/thumbnail_8789000.jpg","/articles/6568875/Connecticut/Willington-seeks-small-DOT-parcel-to-build-new-fire-station-as-aging-station-faces-mold-and-foundation-damage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568875-b56a78cd6c34aa8f0a601959bb5314b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114965&Signature=K7fxfImAomdq0WOv8wyngDrfICR1p-yfV1KBJGMDH5q8poN46BSgnPY2VnulCyRb640hr1p5NyGw~CI7fBcaAG0i3GDkBxG1JwZQh-vudmglKHCzYBljDhneXRKQAWHhdts22hV~iq64AB~8qsgpXBLK2Z5wX2WgzCVe0LMgR9qusuQCZClRBhohGCex9fxai4j3aBLzIxTY87lotF5mBhIUokO0IP3R8mtK3V39JFvSXmfouGEDnMuvvk7kVRs~NvCMfITFRNMpDvW-O3tTw2Wr~Dmg~LpjZeYxGym5TNZWxbLI4ooQCBPzQLgl-3SJ8PUfAX4FEQi5IMc7-MU2fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Jonathan Gordon told the Government Oversight Committee that the town of Willington needs a narrow strip of state-owned land adjacent to Route 32 to support construction of a new fire station and associated vehicle and crew parking. \"The current station has massive foundation water damage and mold that cannot be fixed,\" Gordon said. The station serves Willington and surrounding towns and provides regional mutual aid along I-84.

Why it matters: Fire officials said the existing facility is functionally compromised, crews were temporarily housed in trailers, and a new station is needed to ensure continued emergency service. The parcel requested is small — the town estimated roughly a fifth of an acre — and is already paved and used informally for flagpoles and occasional parking by DOT and state police.

What the town proposes: The conveyance would allow construction of a new, larger station sited away from a steep slope and with better vehicle access. Senator Gordon said the town is prepared to accommodate DOT and State Police parking needs and that no public opposition has been reported in prior state-level discussions.

Formal action at hearing: Testimony was recorded; the committee took no vote. Committee members asked whether DOT or State Police would need a formal easement; Gordon said the town would not object to formal access language if needed.

Ending: Supporters told the committee the conveyance is a practical solution to an urgent public-safety infrastructure problem; no opposition testimony was recorded in committee materials at the hearing.

","Senator Jonathan Gordon told the Government Oversight Committee that the town of Willington needs a narrow strip of state-owned land adjacent to Route 32 to support construction of a new fire station and associated vehicle and crew parking.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6568884,"Southbury seeks broader authority to develop former training-school village, lawmakers debate funding and return-to-state language",6324,4515000,10839000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193146-41dd6f13cd46b5aeb4030f879d972734&start=4515&end=10839","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193146-41dd6f13cd46b5aeb4030f879d972734/thumbnail_4515000.jpg","/articles/6568884/Connecticut/Southbury-seeks-broader-authority-to-develop-former-training-school-village-lawmakers-debate-funding-and-return-to-state-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568884-dc46737d037888c5a28f47af1ca9dc8a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114965&Signature=aTG8FM8dZSAAW9pZvOtUYWswHSLHj673nq-RPUCS3mTYZcLrfHIXy-FrY90kU0E1sA51LYz1GxZGkn3UEMAPhZWpV~PUzZWycIdXue2nA8Z8PuooCKbfNG-fiVLHMGQT71ZSU6m7BjkuylESF4nc7tO2a80447sTElaXhe2fxXOYwGFZuEvgBldsxMUKKXptW7haCwNGo83lX3UbXGAiUDIZyXpjb2omHKe4~N4Rn5oLED3OspRW4D7CBLzdqLfgA4o8eA~w1WbHCjLgQZpWGKfUIyvqpvMtSNdAyaSNBqUueV8g8AB2rVdwePfUbIG4~oGxM7ryZQxNNo59te5RnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Jason Buxbaum, a state representative, asked the Government Oversight Committee to approve HB 7,281 so the town of Southbury can remove a requirement that limits a conveyed parcel to senior housing only.

Why it matters: The parcel at the Personnel Village was identified in 2013 legislation as a site for senior affordable housing. Town officials and proponents said state and national funding for that specific senior-affordable model dried up, and the nonprofit that had led the original proposal dissolved. The town now seeks flexibility to evaluate other housing types — including affordable, multigenerational or senior housing — without returning to the legislature for each new option.

What proponents said: Representative Buxbaum and First Selectman Jeffrey Manville said the town supports changing the statute to allow ownership or leasing for a wider set of housing purposes. Jason Vanstone, a Southbury selectman, said the town needs the flexibility to pursue projects and requested removal of a standard clause that would require the town to pay all proceeds from any sale or lease to the state; Vanstone said Southbury must be allowed to recover pre-transfer costs such as survey, environmental review and initial ownership expenditures.

Concerns and clarifications: Committee members asked whether removing the word \"senior\" would trigger affordable-housing statutes (Section 8-30g). Witnesses said the town does not have a moratorium and that any future development would proceed through local planning; several legislators urged retaining the option to include seniors in any future plan. Testimony noted an earlier estimate of roughly $1.25 million in environmental cleanup costs tied to parts of the training-school campus, which affects financial feasibility.

Formal action at hearing: The hearing was a public-information session; no committee vote took place. Witnesses asked for the committee to consider removing the clause that would remit sale/lease proceeds to the state, arguing the town should be able to recoup its documented costs.

Ending: Supporters said the change would let Southbury pursue housing consistent with local needs, while opponents at times urged careful drafting to preserve affordable-housing outcomes and ensure the state’s interest in previously conveyed public land was protected.

","Representative Jason Buxbaum, a state representative, asked the Government Oversight Committee to approve HB 7,281 so the town of Southbury can remove a requirement that limits a conveyed parcel to senior housing only.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6568880,"Plymouth conveyance draws split public testimony: neighbor seeks control to deter trespass; conservation groups urge state to retain forest land",4157,6688000,10845000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193146-41dd6f13cd46b5aeb4030f879d972734&start=6688&end=10845","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193146-41dd6f13cd46b5aeb4030f879d972734/thumbnail_6688000.jpg","/articles/6568880/Connecticut/Plymouth-conveyance-draws-split-public-testimony-neighbor-seeks-control-to-deter-trespass-conservation-groups-urge-state-to-retain-forest-land","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568880-a751d21394166f58bb8cddf52622daa6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114965&Signature=hfRtlFU7bLVl1pd08UlpVsfv2KBGPKKc4wjKsC8bz8xrANklsQHAxtqljM0JMV66gi60OMESJY~enz1nrXlf8YbRgWPkYqseA~dYwFvkHAdQHJDjCIkLrYlmdNhbWcvIfB5azssNqn~UolSlDBinKjBGQ1xBB2sgWXawfWoTjGxSoSy-~qEwVHQX5LwPavpq-nmsGis7nvhfm2wcliqiWYJ3RGEjCV8cAtnR67kow78U~08pYUy5CYmerEnEOUoFN~f7l7VIruvzuqv4QaXDhDRHGW~RV0Z-K1H1ChsF9gyl53eJwvqjaaRBziS~4CoBMCjsXRuh~UdrgQljrMecXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Hawkes, a state representative, testified that he supports HB 7,282 to convey a small parcel of state land in Plymouth to a neighboring property owner so that the owner can better prevent trespass and cleanup repeated litter and partying on the site.

Why it matters: The parcel lies adjacent to Mattatuck State Forest and is reported by the proponent to have recurring trespass and disorderly conduct that affects an adjoining campground and private residence. Proponents said local stewardship and daily presence on the land would better protect the parcel.

Opposition and public-interest concerns: The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) and Save the Sound testified in opposition, saying parcels within state forests deliver public benefits including recreation, wildlife habitat, forest connectivity and carbon storage. CFPA urged deed restrictions, reverter clauses, and caution when transferring land with significant road frontage to private ownership. Save the Sound noted a lack of posted supporting documentation for the conveyance in the committee record and asked for more transparency.

Clarifying details: The proponent, Dan Gentile, said the parcel is rocky and largely ledge, and he offered to pay fair-market value and accept deed restrictions that maintain open-space use. He told committee members he had previously called police about trespassers and that the parcel’s proximity to his residence and campground made stewardship by a private owner practical.

Formal action at hearing: The hearing recorded testimony only; no committee vote took place. Opponents asked that the state evaluate alternatives to conveyance (for example, enforcement action or forest management) and recommended reverter language if a conveyance is approved.

Ending: The committee did not take a vote; several members asked DEEP and local officials to provide maps, surveys and a recommendation about whether conveyance is consistent with the state’s long-term land-conservation goals.

","Representative Hawkes testified in favor of HB 7,282 to convey a small parcel of state forest land in Plymouth to an adjacent owner who says he will steward the plot and prevent repeated trespass and littering.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6568871,"Bethel hotel owner seeks small state strip behind I-84 for expansion; attorney cites economic-development benefits",107,9179000,9286000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193146-41dd6f13cd46b5aeb4030f879d972734&start=9179&end=9286","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193146-41dd6f13cd46b5aeb4030f879d972734/thumbnail_9179000.jpg","/articles/6568871/Connecticut/Bethel-hotel-owner-seeks-small-state-strip-behind-I-84-for-expansion-attorney-cites-economic-development-benefits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568871-4e39dbb277dad1bb65ac86d9c6d244a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114965&Signature=jkIKjo8-lgmNZZhNaXeP1Jg1g2AmoTlG0qsJ5TbYtw6lswfBqtjtA4owdHpjgOqrM5gvRJSDcXEiiC6Qb81e94PLE1D5cA5K-81LeRaSb0Uo~9n7kiAyJVuqIDykThu6jG1LTfq5o-8HD1wuzhXwDlFFOGTpB2rd9r96J6DeAke4hpR9IRstdM2GXZs78WbZ8sEJPzvkTcUc-2xw-n9iuAZ5sImBKCqNEcVEtNoopc1y2Nf~BSAorySBcKa7f2dTGQZdVTfHc7LlTbhkIr8dPoV56~dKgwnfHvlzaaswIsefxmCyCv68CAyoFE3pHo-Hrn6niY2q7H3Ey63awsBN3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Peter Olsen, an attorney representing Gayatri Corporation, told the Government Oversight Committee that the company seeks a small strip of state-owned land north of Interstate 84 behind its 18 Stony Hill Road hotel to allow grading and construction of a new retaining wall for a second hotel on the property.

Why it matters: Gayatri has a site plan and special-permit approval from the Bethel planning and zoning commission for a second hotel. Mr. Olsen said a small DOT-owned strip of land immediately north of the property does not form part of the highway right-of-way and that a conveyance or easement would reduce construction disturbance, lower engineering costs and return the strip to the town’s tax rolls.

Details and concerns: Olsen said town assessor records list the strip as 0.4 acres but he expects the actual conveyance footprint will be smaller once surveyed. He asked the committee to consider the conveyance as a tool to permit a project that has local approvals and asserted the strip serves no current public purpose.

Formal action: The hearing was informational only; no committee vote was recorded. Committee members asked for a site survey to fix acreage and boundary lines before any conveyance proceeds.

Ending: The committee requested a formal survey and documentation from the town and the applicant to confirm parcel size and to ensure the transfer would not impair highway operations or public access.

","An attorney for Gayatri Corporation asked the Government Oversight Committee to convey a narrow strip of state land in Bethel to allow construction of a retaining wall for a second hotel and associated grading and drainage work (HB 7,279). The firm said the transfer would minimize construction disturbance, repurpose land that currently serves no","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lawmakers, residents press to change Newtown land deed from economic development to open space; Hubbard foundation seeks financing fix

Willington seeks small DOT parcel to build new fire station as aging station faces mold and foundation damage

Southbury seeks broader authority to develop former training-school village, lawmakers debate funding and return-to-state language

Plymouth conveyance draws split public testimony: neighbor seeks control to deter trespass; conservation groups urge state to retain forest land

Bethel hotel owner seeks small state strip behind I-84 for expansion; attorney cites economic-development benefits